Robert Jarrell, 39, and Martin Rilinger, 48, both of St. Joseph were charged with second-degree murder, a Class A felony, in the death of Jason Davies, 38, of St. Joseph.

Mr. Davies was discovered in river, near a brush site in Leavenworth, Kan. Sept. 19 by personnel associated with the Nebraska Game and Parks employees, who were tracking sturgeon in the Missouri River, in Leavenworth, Kan., said Leavenworth Police Chief Pat Kitchens.

On Sept. 15, Mr. Jarrell and Mr. Rilinger were present in the 800 block of North 13th Street when a struggle ensued between the victim and two defendants. Mr. Jarrell allegedly struck Mr. Davies â€śnumerous timesâ€ť with a baseball bat in the head and body as Mr. Rilinger allegedly hit the victim â€śnumerous timesâ€ť with a frying pan, according to a probable causes statement submitted by Det. Gregg Lewis and Det. Frank Till with the St. Joseph Police Department.

Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Scroggins Jr. said Mr. Davies died as a result of â€śblunt force traumaâ€ť when he was seemingly bludgeoned to death. After the fatal assault, both Mr. Jarrell and Mr. Rilinger allegedly â€śdumped the body in the Missouri River,â€ť court documents stated.

Third co-defendant, Dollie Williams, 39, of St. Joseph, was also charged with tampering with evidence in a felony prosecution, a Class D felony, for her alleged involvement in the case.

â€śAfter the murder occurred, (Ms. Williams) voluntarily assisted in the clean-up of blood and disposal of the bloody rags and cleaning materials,â€ť stated court documents submitted by Det. James Tonn with the St. Joseph Police Department. By altering the crime scene and concealing evidence, Ms. Williams was connected to the crime.

Originally a Colorado resident, Mr. Daviesâ€™ most recent address was listed as St. Joseph, authorities said. After St. Joseph law enforcement were notified of the death on Tuesday, Mr. Scroggins said detectives began â€śan intense investigationâ€ť that led to a quick turn around in located accused suspects.

Mr. Jarrell has a criminal history with prior failure to appear warrants and remained in custody Thursday en lieu of a $250,000 bond. The probable cause statement stated that the alleged deadly wounds showed â€śsigns of severe anger.â€ť

Mr. Rilinger remained in custody Thursday each en lieu of a $250,000 bond. Court documents stated that Mr. Rilinger is currently homeless, unemployed and â€śhas no reason to stay in St. Josephâ€ť with a pending murder case against him.